The independent who squashed a Nat

By Stephanie PeatlingFebruary 28 2003

'You can't take people for granted' ... Richard Torbay chats with a constituent in the street in Armidale. Photo: Jon Reid

Richard Torbay is a friendly sort of chap. Relentlessly good humoured, he bounces around the seat of Northern Tablelands, in the New England area in the north of the state, like an energetic landlord checking on his tenants.

As the local independent member, Mr Torbay happily lists the things the Government has thrown his way since he joined the cross benches after snatching the seat from the National Party at the 1999 election - Commonwealth research facilities, more police officers and upgraded emergency services facilities.

As one of several independents who won seats at the last election, Mr Torbay is constantly rumoured to be trying to form some sort of coalition of the unaligned but he says this would immediately reduce their appeal.

"The difference between the major parties now is the letterhead," Mr Torbay says. "People want strong local representation and people who seek solutions, not just voice their concern."

The one-time Labor Party member and former mayor of Armidale was convinced by Tony Windsor, the independent federal member whose seat overlaps much of his, that running as an independent was not a waste of time.

"When you're an independent you can't take people for granted," Mr Torbay says.

The National Party had held Northern Tablelands with a 15per cent margin but an adverse reaction to the former MP, Ray Chappell, "talking tough in the electorate and then coming to Sydney and voting with the Liberals", gave Mr Torbay a swing of 25per cent, giving him a 9.4per cent margin.

"It was an enormous decision for people in my seat to vote for me. This next election is about me and how I have done."

Peter Bailey, the National Party candidate, says his opponent has been unable to address the big issues, such as hospital funding and job creation, because he lacks the clout of a party.

"What impact does one independent have in a Parliament of 93 in terms of changing the broad agenda? You can't do anything but be a lone voice," Mr Bailey says.

A local businessman, he says it is better to be in a party because they "look after their own".

He concedes he has a tough battle but believes people are willing to listen.